Communication control method, management server, and user terminal

ABSTRACT

A communication control method, and network apparatus includes receiving a first identifier from a first user terminal, where the first identifier is included in a discovery signal which the first user terminal has received from a second user terminal, determining, in response to receiving the first identifier, whether the first identifier is an identifier allocated in the first PLMN. In response to a determination that the first identifier is not the identifier allocated in the first PLMN, sending the first identifier to a second network apparatus belonging to a second PLMN, and receiving the information of an application used by the second user terminal, from the second network apparatus. In response to the controller determining that the first identifier is the identifier allocated in the first PLMN, transmitting, to the first user terminal, information of the application used by the second user terminal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/257,251 filed Sep. 6, 2016, which is aContinuation application of International Patent Application No.PCT/JP2015/056478 filed Mar. 5, 2015, which claims benefit of JapanesePatent Application No. 2014-045608 filed Mar. 7, 2014, the entirety ofall applications hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a communication control method, and anetwork apparatus.

BACKGROUND

In 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) which is a project aimingto standardize a mobile communication system, the introduction of aDevice to Device (D2D) proximity service is discussed as a new functionin Release 12 and later (see Non Patent Document 1).

The D2D proximity service (D2D ProSe) is a service enabling directdevice-to-device communication within a synchronization cluster formedby a plurality of synchronized user terminals. The D2D proximity serviceincludes: a D2D discovery procedure (Discovery) in which a proximalterminal is discovered; and D2D communication (Communication) that isdirect device-to-device communication.

CITATION LIST Non-Patent Document

Non Patent Document 1: 3GPP Technical Report “TR 36.843 V1.0.0” Jan. 16,2014

SUMMARY

A communication control method according to an embodiment includesdirectly transmitting, from a second user terminal to a first userterminal, discovery signal including a first identifier associated withthe second user terminal, where the discovery signal is for discoveringanother user terminal, transmitting, from the first user terminal to afirst network apparatus belonging to a first Public Land Mobile Network(PLMN), and the first identifier included in the discovery signal, anddetermining, by the first network apparatus, in response to receivingthe first identifier, whether the first identifier is an identifierallocated in the first PLMN. In response to the first network apparatusdetermining that the first identifier is not the identifier allocated inthe first PLMN, the method includes sending the first identifier fromthe first network apparatus to a second network apparatus belonging to asecond PLMN, and sending, from the second network apparatus to the firstnetwork apparatus, information of an application used by the second userterminal. In response to the first network apparatus determining thatthe first identifier is the identifier allocated in the first PLMN, themethod includes transmitting, from the first network apparatus to thefirst user terminal, information of the application used by the seconduser terminal.

A first network apparatus according to an embodiment is configured tobelong to a first Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and include acontroller including a processor and a memory coupled to the processor,where the controller is configured to receive a first identifier from afirst user terminal, where the first identifier is included in adiscovery signal which the first user terminal has received from asecond user terminal. The controller is configured to determine, inresponse to receiving the first identifier, whether the first identifieris an identifier allocated in the first PLMN. In response to thecontroller determining that the first identifier is not the identifierallocated in the first PLMN, the controller sends the first identifierto a second network apparatus belonging to a second PLMN, and receivesthe information of an application used by the second user terminal, fromthe second network apparatus. In response to the controller determiningthat the first identifier is the identifier allocated in the first PLMN,the controller transmits, to the first user terminal, information of theapplication used by the second user terminal.

A second network apparatus according to an embodiment belongs to asecond Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and includes a controllerincluding a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. Thecontroller is configured to receive a first identifier from a firstnetwork apparatus belonging to a first PLMN in response to the firstnetwork apparatus determining that the first identifier is not anidentifier allocated in the first PLMN. The controller is configured tosend information of an application used by a second user terminalassociated with the first identifier, to the first network apparatus.The first identifier is received in the first network apparatus from afirst user terminal that directly received a discovery signal includingthe first identifier from the second user terminal, and the discoverysignal is for discovering another user terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an LTE system according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a UE according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an eNB according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a protocol stack diagram according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a radio frame according to theembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation environment according to anoperation pattern 1 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram according to the operation pattern 1according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation environment according to anoperation pattern 2 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram according to the operation pattern 2according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation environment according to anoperation pattern 3 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram according to the operation pattern 3according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for describing a determination operation of aneNB 200 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for describing a determination operation of anintra PLMN server according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for describing a determination operation of anextra PLMN server according to the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT Overview of Embodiment

A communication control method according to an embodiment comprises:receiving, by a first network apparatus, first information from a firstuser terminal, the first network apparatus configured to belong to afirst Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); and notifying, the firstnetwork apparatus, the first user terminal of second information. Thefirst information includes a first identifier included in a discoverysignal which the first user terminal has directly received from a seconduser terminal. The second information includes information correspondingto the first identifier. The communication control method furthercomprises determining, by the first network apparatus, in response toreceiving the first information, whether the first identifier is asecond identifier allocated in the first PLMN. The first networkapparatus notifies the first user terminal of the second information inresponse to determining that the first identifier is the secondidentifier.

The communication control method may further comprise: sending, by thefirst network apparatus, the first information to a second networkapparatus configured to belong to a second PLMN, in response todetermining that the first identifier is not the second identifier, andreceiving, by the first network apparatus, the second information fromthe second network apparatus.

The first information may include an identifier of a PLMN in which theuser terminal has received the discovery signal.

A network apparatus according to an embodiment is a network apparatusconfigured to belong to a first Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). Thenetwork apparatus comprises: a controller including a processor and amemory coupled to the processor. The controller is configured to receivefirst information from a first user terminal; and notifying the firstuser terminal of second information. The first information includes afirst identifier included in a discovery signal which the first userterminal has directly received from a second user terminal. The secondinformation includes information corresponding to the first identifier.The controller is configured to determine, in response to receiving thefirst information, whether the first identifier is a second identifierallocated in the first PLMN, and notifying the first user terminal ofthe second information in response to determining that the firstidentifier is the second identifier.

A network apparatus according to an embodiment is a network apparatusconfigured to belong to a second Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). Thenetwork apparatus comprises: a controller including a processor and amemory coupled to the processor. The controller is configured to receivefirst information from another network apparatus configured to belong toa first PLMN; and sending second information to the another networkapparatus. The first information includes a first identifier included ina discovery signal which a first user terminal has directly receivedfrom a second user terminal. The second information includes informationcorresponding to the first identifier. The controller is configured tospecify the information corresponding to the first identifier inresponse to receiving the first information.

Here, a case is assumed where a user terminal receives a D2D discoverysignal to be transmitted in a D2D discovery procedure, from another userterminal belonging to a different PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network).

A management server belonging to the PLMN to which the user terminalbelongs, does not manage information on the other user terminalbelonging to the different PLMN. Thus, there is a problem that even wheninquiring the management server of the information on thetransmission-source terminal to determine whether or not to perform D2Dcommunication, the user terminal is not capable of knowing theinformation on the transmission terminal.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to enable a userterminal that has received a D2D discovery signal to know information ona transmission-source terminal of the D2D discovery signal, even whenreceiving a D2D discovery signal from another user terminal belonging toa different PLMN.

A communication control method according to an embodiment is acommunication control method for controlling D2D communication that isdirect Device-to-Device communication. The communication control methodcomprises: a step of transmitting, by a user terminal that receives aD2D discovery signal transmitted in a D2D discovery procedure fordiscovering a proximal terminal, an inquiry as to a transmission-sourceterminal of the received D2D discovery signal; a step of receiving, by amanagement server, the inquiry, wherein the management server manages atleast either one of a local Discovery identifier or a global Discoveryidentifier, the local Discovery identifier assigned to a terminal ineach of a plurality of PLMNs, and the global Discovery identifierassigned to the terminal irrespective of any one of the plurality ofPLMNs; and a step of notifying, by the management server that receivesthe inquiry, the user terminal of predetermined information on thetransmission-source terminal of the D2D discovery signal. In the step oftransmitting the inquiry, the user terminal transmits the inquiryincluding a Discovery identifier included in the received D2D discoverysignal. In the step of notifying the predetermined information, themanagement server notifies, on a basis of the Discovery identifierincluded in the inquiry, the user terminal of the predeterminedinformation.

In the embodiment, a management node configured to be arranged within afirst PLMN and be different from the management server manages aDiscovery identifier assigned, in the first PLMN, to a terminal. Thecommunication control method further comprises: a step of receiving, bythe management node, the inquiry; and a step of notifying, by themanagement node that receives the inquiry, instead of the managementserver, the user terminal of the predetermined information, on a basisof the Discovery identifier included in the inquiry, if thetransmission-source terminal of the D2D discovery signal belongs to thefirst PLMN.

The communication control method according to the embodiment furthercomprises a step of transferring, by the management node, the inquiry tothe management server, if the transmission-source terminal of the D2Ddiscovery signal does not belong to the first PLMN.

In the communication control method, the management server manages atleast the global Discovery identifier. The communication control methodfurther comprises: a step of transferring, by the management node, theinquiry to the management server, if the Discovery identifier includedin the inquiry is the global Discovery identifier.

The communication control method according to the embodiment furthercomprises a step of transferring, by the management node, the inquiry tothe management server, if identification information related to themanagement node is not included in the inquiry.

In the embodiment, the identification information related to themanagement node is an identifier indicating a PLMN to which themanagement node belongs.

In the communication control method, a base station configured to bearranged within the first PLMN manages a Discovery identifier assignedto a terminal that exists in a self cell, out of Discovery identifiersassigned, in the first PLMN, to the terminal. The communication controlmethod further comprises: a step of receiving, by the base station, theinquiry from the user terminal that exists in the self cell; and a stepof notifying, by the base station that receives the inquiry, instead ofthe management server and the management node, the user terminal of thepredetermined information, on a basis of the Discovery identifierincluded in the inquiry, if the transmission-source terminal of the D2Ddiscovery signal exists in the self cell.

The communication control method according to the embodiment furthercomprises a step of transferring, by the base station, the inquiry tothe management node or the management server, if the transmission-sourceterminal of the D2D discovery signal does not exist in the self cell.

In the communication control method, the management server manages atleast the global Discovery identifier. The communication control methodfurther comprises: a step of transferring, by the base station, theinquiry to the management server, if the Discovery identifier includedin the inquiry is the global Discovery identifier.

The communication control method according to the embodiment furthercomprises a step of transferring, by the base station, the inquiry tothe management node or the management server, if identificationinformation related to the base station is not included in the inquiry.

In the embodiment, the identification information related to the basestation is an identifier indicating the base station or an identifierindicating the self cell.

In the embodiment, another management node configured to be arrangedwithin a second PLMN and be different from the management server managesa Discovery identifier assigned, in the second PLMN, to a terminal. Thecommunication control method further comprises: a step of transferring,by the management server that receives the inquiry or the managementnode that receives the inquiry, the inquiry to the another managementnode, if the transmission-source terminal of the D2D discovery signalbelongs to the second PLMN.

The communication control method according to the embodiment furthercomprises a step of receiving, by the user terminal, from another celldifferent from a cell in which the user terminal exists, identificationinformation related to the another cell. In the step of transmitting theinquiry by the user terminal, the user terminal transmits the inquiryincluding the identification information related to the another cell.

In the embodiment, the predetermined information includes a terminalidentifier indicating the transmission-source terminal of the D2Ddiscovery signal.

In the embodiment, the predetermined information includes informationindicating at least either one of: a content of the D2D communicationperformed by the transmission-source terminal of the D2D discoverysignal; or an application used for the D2D communication performed bythe transmission-source terminal of the D2D discovery signal.

A management server according to an embodiment is used in a mobilecommunication system supporting D2D communication that is directDevice-to-Device communication. The management server comprises: areceiver configured to receive from a user terminal that receives a D2Ddiscovery signal transmitted in a D2D discovery procedure fordiscovering a proximal terminal, an inquiry as to a transmission-sourceterminal of the received D2D discovery signal; and a controllerconfigured to manage at least either one of a local Discovery identifieror a global Discovery identifier, the local Discovery identifierassigned to a terminal in each of a plurality of PLMNs, and the globalDiscovery identifier assigned to the terminal irrespective of any one ofthe plurality of PLMNs. The controller performs control to notify theuser terminal of predetermined information on the transmission-sourceterminal of the D2D discovery signal. The receiver receives the inquiryincluding the Discovery identifier included in the received D2Ddiscovery signal. The controller performs, on a basis of the Discoveryidentifier included in the inquiry, control to notify the user terminalof the predetermined information.

A user terminal according to an embodiment is used in a mobilecommunication system supporting D2D communication that is directDevice-to-Device communication. The user terminal comprises: a receiverconfigured to receive a D2D discovery signal transmitted in a D2Ddiscovery procedure for discovering a proximal terminal; and atransmitter configured to transmit an inquiry as to atransmission-source terminal of the received D2D discovery signal, to amanagement server configured to manage at least either one of a localDiscovery identifier or a global Discovery identifier, the localDiscovery identifier assigned to a terminal in each of a plurality ofPLMNs, and the global Discovery identifier assigned to the terminalirrespective of any one of the plurality of PLMNs. The transmittertransmits the inquiry including a Discovery identifier included in thereceived D2D discovery signal.

Embodiment

Hereinafter, a description will be provided for an embodiment when thepresent disclosure is applied to an LTE system.

(System Configuration)

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the LTE system according to theembodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the LTE system according to theembodiment includes a plurality of UEs (User Equipments) 100, E-UTRAN(Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) 10, and EPC (EvolvedPacket Core) 20.

The UE 100 corresponds to the user terminal. The UE 100 is a mobilecommunication device and performs radio communication with a connectedcell (a serving cell). A configuration of the UE 100 will be describedlater.

The E-UTRAN 10 corresponds to a radio access network. The E-UTRAN 10includes eNBs 200 (evolved Node-Bs). The eNB 200 corresponds to a basestation. The eNB 200 corresponds to the base station. The eNBs 200 areconnected mutually via an X2 interface. A configuration of the eNB 200will be described later.

The eNB 200 manages a cell or a plurality of cells and performs radiocommunication with UE 100 established a connection with the own cell.The eNB 200, for example, has a radio resource management (RRM)function, a routing function of user data, and a measurement controlfunction for mobility control and scheduling. It is noted that the“cell” is used as a term indicating a minimum unit of a radiocommunication area, and is also used as a term indicating a function ofperforming radio communication with the UE 100.

The EPC 20 corresponds to a core network. The E-UTRAN 10 and the EPC 20constitute a network of the LTE system (LTE network). The EPC 20includes MMEs (Mobility Management Entities)/S-GWs (Serving-Gateways)300 and Management servers (Servers #1 to #3). The MME is a network nodefor performing various mobility controls, for example, for the UE 100.The S-GW performs transfer control of user data. The MME/S-GW 300 isconnected to the eNBs 200 via an S1 interface. The management servermanages information on a Discovery signal. The management server will bedescribed in detail later.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the UE 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2, theUE 100 includes an antenna 101, a radio transceiver 110, a userinterface 120, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 130,a battery 140, a memory 150, and a processor 160. The memory 150corresponds to storage, and the processor 160 corresponds to acontroller. The UE 100 may not have the GNSS receiver 130. Furthermore,the memory 150 may be integrally formed with the processor 160, and thisset (that is, a chipset) may be called a processor 160′.

The antennas 101 and the radio transceiver 110 are used to transmit andreceive a radio signal. The radio transceiver 110 converts a basebandsignal (transmission signal) output from the processor 160 into theradio signal, and transmits the radio signal from the antennas 101.Furthermore, the radio transceiver 110 converts the radio signalreceived by the antennas 101 into the baseband signal (receptionsignal), and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 160.

The user interface 120 is an interface with a user carrying the UE 100,and includes, for example, a display, a microphone, a speaker, andvarious buttons. The user interface 120 receives an operation from auser and outputs a signal indicating the content of the operation to theprocessor 160. The GNSS receiver 130 receives a GNSS signal in order toobtain location information indicating a geographical location of the UE100, and outputs the received signal to the processor 160. The battery140 accumulates a power to be supplied to each block of the UE 100.

The memory 150 stores a program to be executed by the processor 160 andinformation to be used for a process by the processor 160. The processor160 includes a baseband processor that performs modulation anddemodulation, encoding and decoding and the like of the baseband signal,and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs various processes byexecuting the program stored in the memory 150. The processor 160 mayfurther include a codec that performs encoding and decoding of sound andvideo signals. The processor 160 implements various processes andvarious communication protocols described later.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the eNB 200. As illustrated in FIG. 3, theeNB 200 includes an antenna 201, a radio transceiver 210, a networkinterface 220, a memory 230, and a processor 240. Furthermore, thememory 230 may be integrally formed with the processor 240, and this set(that is, a chipset) may be called a processor 240′.

The antennas 201 and the radio transceiver 210 are used to transmit andreceive a radio signal. The radio transceiver 210 converts the basebandsignal (transmission signal) output from the processor 240 into theradio signal, and transmits the radio signal from the antennas 201.Furthermore, the radio transceiver 210 converts the radio signalreceived by the antennas 201 into the baseband signal (receptionsignal), and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 240.

The network interface 220 is connected to the neighboring eNB 200 viathe X2 interface and is connected to the MME/S-GW 300 via the S1interface. The network interface 220 is used in communication performedon the X2 interface and communication performed on the S1 interface.

The memory 230 stores a program to be executed by the processor 240 andinformation to be used for a process by the processor 240. The processor240 includes the baseband processor that performs modulation anddemodulation, encoding and decoding and the like of the baseband signaland a CPU that performs various processes by executing the programstored in the memory 230. The processor 240 implements various processesand various communication protocols described later.

FIG. 4 is a protocol stack diagram of a radio interface in the LTEsystem. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the radio interface protocol isclassified into a layer 1 to a layer 3 of an OSI reference model,wherein the layer 1 is a physical (PHY) layer. The layer 2 includes aMAC (Medium Access Control) layer, an RLC (Radio Link Control) layer,and a PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer. The layer 3includes an RRC (Radio Resource Control) layer.

The PHY layer performs encoding and decoding, modulation anddemodulation, antenna mapping and demapping, and resource mapping anddemapping. Between the PHY layer of the UE 100 and the PHY layer of theeNB 200, user data and control signal are transmitted via the physicalchannel.

The MAC layer performs preferential control of data, and aretransmission process and the like by hybrid ARQ (HARQ). Between theMAC layer of the UE 100 and the MAC layer of the eNB 200, user data andcontrol signal are transmitted via a transport channel. The MAC layer ofthe eNB 200 includes a scheduler for determining (scheduling) atransport format (a transport block size, a modulation and codingscheme) of an uplink and a downlink, and an assignment resource block tothe UE 100.

The RLC layer transmits data to an RLC layer of a reception side byusing the functions of the MAC layer and the PHY layer. Between the RLClayer of the UE 100 and the RLC layer of the eNB 200, user data andcontrol signal are transmitted via a logical channel.

The PDCP layer performs header compression and decompression, andencryption and decryption.

The RRC layer is defined only in a control plane handling a controlsignal. Between the RRC layer of the UE 100 and the RRC layer of the eNB200, a control signal (an RRC message) for various types of setting istransmitted. The RRC layer controls the logical channel, the transportchannel, and the physical channel in response to establishment,re-establishment, and release of a radio bearer. When there is aconnection (an RRC connection) between the RRC of the UE 100 and the RRCof the eNB 200, the UE 100 is in a RRC connected state and otherwise,the UE 100 is in an RRC idle state.

A NAS (Non-Access Stratum) layer positioned above the RRC layer performssession management or mobility management, for example.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a radio frame used in the LTEsystem. In the LTE system, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency DivisionMultiplexing Access) is applied to a downlink (DL), and SC-FDMA (SingleCarrier Frequency Division Multiple Access) is applied to an uplink(UL), respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the radio frame is configured by 10 subframesarranged in a time direction. Each subframe is configured by two slotsarranged in the time direction. Each subframe has a length of 1 ms andeach slot has a length of 0.5 ms. Each subframe includes a plurality ofresource blocks (RBs) in a frequency direction, and a plurality ofsymbols in the time direction. Each resource block includes a pluralityof subcarriers in the frequency direction. Among radio resources(time-frequency resources) allocated to the UE 100, a frequency resourcecan be specified by a resource block and a time resource can bespecified by a subframe (or slot).

(D2D Proximity Service)

A D2D proximity service will be described, below. An LTE systemaccording to an embodiment supports the D2D proximity service. The D2Dproximity service is described in Non Patent Document 1, and an outlinethereof will be described here.

The D2D proximity service (D2D ProSe) is a service enabling directUE-to-UE communication within a synchronization cluster formed by aplurality of synchronized UEs 100. The D2D proximity service includes aD2D discovery procedure (Discovery) in which a proximal UE is discoveredand D2D communication (Communication) that is direct UE-to-UEcommunication. The D2D communication is also called Directcommunication.

A scenario in which all the UEs 100 forming the synchronization clusterare located in a cell coverage is called “In coverage”. A scenario inwhich all the UEs 100 forming the synchronization cluster are locatedout of a cell coverage is called “Out of coverage”. A scenario in whichsome UEs 100 in the synchronization cluster are located in a cellcoverage and the remaining UEs 100 are located out of the cell coverageis called “Partial coverage”.

In “In coverage”, the eNB 200 is a D2D synchronization source, forexample. A D2D asynchronization source is synchronized with the D2Dsynchronization source without transmitting a D2D synchronizationsignal. The eNB 200 that is a D2D synchronization source transmits, by abroadcast signal, D2D resource information indicating a radio resourceavailable for the D2D proximity service. The D2D resource informationincludes information indicating a radio resource available for the D2Ddiscovery procedure (Discovery resource information) and informationindicating a radio resource available for the D2D communication(Communication resource information), for example. The UE 100 that is aD2D asynchronization source performs the D2D discovery procedure and theD2D communication on the basis of the D2D resource information receivedfrom the eNB 200.

In “Out of coverage” or “Partial coverage”, the UE 100 is a D2Dsynchronization source, for example. In “Out of coverage”, the UE 100that is a D2D synchronization source transmits D2D resource informationindicating a radio resource available for the D2D proximity service, bya D2D synchronization signal, for example. The D2D synchronizationsignal is a signal transmitted in a D2D synchronization procedure inwhich device-to-device synchronization is established. The D2Dsynchronization signal includes a D2DSS and a physical D2Dsynchronization channel (PD2DSCH). The D2DSS is a signal for providing asynchronization standard of a time and a frequency. The PD2DSCH is aphysical channel through which more information is conveyed than theD2DSS. The PD2DSCH conveys the above-described D2D resource information(Discovery resource information, Communication resource information).Alternatively, if the D2DSS is associated with the D2D resourceinformation, the PD2DSCH may be rendered unnecessary.

The D2D discovery procedure is used mainly if the D2D communication isperformed by unicast. One UE 100 uses any particular radio resource outof radio resources available for the D2D discovery procedure if startingthe D2D communication with another UE 100 to transmit the Discoverysignal (D2D discovery signal). The other UE 100 scans the Discoverysignal within the radio resource available for the D2D discoveryprocedure if starting the D2D communication with the one UE 100 toreceive the Discovery signal. The Discovery signal may includeinformation indicating a radio resource used by the one UE 100 for theD2D communication.

(Discovery Signal List)

A discovery signal list will be described, below. The discovery signallist is a list regarding a Discovery identifier assigned to the UE 100that transmits the D2D discovery signal. In the discovery signal list, aDiscovery identifier assigned to the UE 100 and a UE identifier (UE ID)indicating the UE 100 are associated.

The discovery signal list may include information indicating a contentof the D2D communication performed by the UE 100 assigned with theDiscovery identifier. The content of the D2D communication indicates,for example, a purpose for the D2D communication (for advertisementdelivery, for example) and a content of the D2D communication (contentof the advertisement, for example).

The discovery signal list may include information indicating anapplication used for the D2D communication performed by the UE 100assigned with the Discovery identifier.

The discovery signal list may include, in the PLMN to which the UE 100assigned with the Discovery identifier belongs, resource information onthe D2D communication resource that is a time-frequency resource usedfor the D2D communication (Communication).

The resource information includes frequency resource information on thefrequency (frequency band) of the D2D communication resource. Thefrequency resource information includes information indicating a centerfrequency of the frequency band of the D2D communication resource in thePLMN to which the UE 100 belongs, and information indicating a bandwidthof the frequency band of the D2D communication resource in the PLMN towhich the UE 100 belongs. The frequency resource information may beinformation indicating an operation band of the D2D communicationresource available in the cell (eNB 200) in which the UE 100 exists.Further, the frequency resource information may include a resource blocknumber within the operation band.

Further, the resource information includes time resource information ona time of the D2D communication resource in the PLMN to which the UE 100belongs. The time resource information is at least one of: a systemframe number, a subframe number, a start/terminate subframe, and atransmission period.

The discovery signal list may include information indicating a period ofvalidity of the Discovery identifier assigned to the UE 100.

In the present embodiment, each of the eNB 200, an intra PLMN serverthat is a server arranged within the PLMN, and an extra PLMN server thatis a server arranged outside the PLMN holds the discovery signal list.In the present embodiment, the intra PLMN server corresponds to amanagement node, and the extra PLMN server corresponds to a managementserver. The extra PLMN server is an independent server not belonging toany PLMN, and is a third party server.

Here, the Discovery identifier includes a local Discovery identifierassigned, in each of a plurality of PLMNs, to the UE 100, and a globalDiscovery identifier assigned to the UE 100 irrespective of any one ofthe plurality of PLMNs. The local Discovery identifier is a Discoveryidentifier dependent on the PLMN, and is a Discovery identifier uniqueonly within the assigned PLMN. On the other hand, the global Discoveryidentifier is a Discovery identifier not dependent on the PLMN, and is aDiscovery identifier unique in a plurality of PLMNs (PLMNs around theworld).

The intra PLMN server manages the local Discovery identifier assigned ina self PLMN, and assigns the local Discovery identifier to the UE 100belonging to the self PLMN. The intra PLMN server holds the discoverysignal list regarding the Discovery identifier assigned in the selfPLMN.

The eNB 200 manages the local Discovery identifier assigned to the UE100 that exists in a self cell, out of the local Discovery identifiersassigned to the UE 100 in the PLMN to which the eNB 200 belongs. The eNB200 holds the discovery signal list regarding the local Discoveryidentifier assigned to the UE 100 that exists in the self cell.

The extra PLMN server manages at least either one of the Discoveryidentifiers, that is, the local Discovery identifier assigned, in eachof a plurality of PLMNs, to the UE 100, and the global Discoveryidentifier assigned to the UE 100 irrespective of any one of theplurality of PLMNs. The extra PLMN server assigns the global Discoveryidentifier to the UE 100, irrespective of the PLMN. The extra PLMNserver holds the discovery signal list regarding at least either one ofthe Discovery identifiers, that is, the local Discovery identifierassigned, in each of the plurality of PLMNs, to the UE 100, and theglobal Discovery identifier.

When the Discovery identifier is not held or when the period of validityof the Discovery identifier expires, the UE 100 requests, beforetransmitting the Discovery signal, the Discovery identifier. Whenrequesting the local Discovery identifier (that is, the Discoveryidentifier unique only within the PLMN to which the UE 100 belongs), theUE 100 is capable of requesting the Discovery identifier to the intraPLMN server or the eNB 200 that manages the cell in which the UE 100exists. When requesting the global Discovery identifier, the UE 100 iscapable of requesting the Discovery identifier to the extra PLMN server.

The UE 100 includes the UE identifier indicating the UE 100, into therequest. It is noted that when requesting the global Discoveryidentifier, the UE 100 may include a UE-specific identifier (telephonenumber, for example) not dependent on the PLMN, into the request.Further, the UE 100 may include the information indicating the contentof the D2D communication, into the request. Alternatively, the UE 100may include the information indicating the application used for the D2Dcommunication, into the request.

When receiving the request for the local Discovery identifier, or whenreceiving the request for the Discovery identifier not explicitlyindicating that the Discovery identifier to be requested is the globalDiscovery identifier, the eNB 200 and/or the intra PLMN server assignsthe local Discovery identifier to the UE 100. When assigning theDiscovery identifier to the UE 100, the eNB 200 and/or the intra PLMNserver records the identifier of the UE 100 and the assigned Discoveryidentifier in an associated manner, and updates the discovery signallist. It is noted that when receiving the request for the globalDiscovery identifier, the eNB 200 and the intra PLMN server transfer therequest to the extra PLMN server.

On the other hand, when receiving the request for the global Discoveryidentifier, the extra PLMN server assigns the global Discoveryidentifier to the UE 100. When assigning the Discovery identifier to theUE 100, the extra PLMN server records the identifier of the UE 100 andthe assigned Discovery identifier in an associated manner, and updatesthe discovery signal list.

When assigning the Discovery identifier to the UE 100, the intra PLMNserver may inform the extra PLMN server of information on the UE 100including the assigned Discovery identifier. The extra PLMN server iscapable of updating the held discovery signal list on the basis of theinformation. Further, the intra PLMN server may inform the eNB 200 thatmanages the cell in which the UE 100 assigned with the Discoveryidentifier exists, of the information. The eNB 200 is capable ofupdating the held discovery signal list on the basis of the information.

When assigning the Discovery identifier to the UE 100, the eNB 200 mayinform the intra PLMN server of information on the UE 100 including theassigned Discovery identifier. The intra PLMN server is capable ofupdating the held discovery signal list on the basis of the information.Further, the eNB 200 may notify the extra PLMN server of theinformation. The extra PLMN server is capable of updating the helddiscovery signal list on the basis of the information.

Operation According to Embodiment

An operation pattern according to the embodiment will be described,below.

(A) Operation Pattern 1

An operation pattern 1 will be described using FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. FIG. 6is a diagram showing an operation environment according to the operationpattern 1. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram according to the operationpattern 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, an eNB 200 #1A is comprised in a PLMN #1 that is anLTE network of a network operator #1. The PLMN #1 is assigned with afrequency band #1 (freq1). The eNB 200 #1A manages a cell #1A of thefrequency band #1. The eNB 200 #1A holds a discovery signal list (adiscovery signal list in the eNB 200 #1) regarding the local Discoveryidentifier assigned to the UE 100 that exists in the cell #1A that is aself cell.

The UE 100 #1A exists in the cell #1A, and performs a locationregistration in the PLMN #1. In other words, the UE 100 #1A belongs tothe PLMN #1. For example, the UE 100 #1A is in an RRC idle state in thecell #1A. Alternatively, the UE 100 #1A may be in an RRC connected statein the cell #1A.

An eNB 200 #1B is comprised in the PLMN #1 that is the LTE network ofthe network operator #1. The eNB 200 #1B manages a cell #1B of thefrequency band #1. The cell #1B is a cell different from the cell #1A.In the present embodiment, the cell #1B is located near the cell #1A.The cell #1B is a neighboring cell of the cell #1A, and overlaps in partwith the cell #1A. The eNB 200 #1B is synchronized with the eNB 200 #1A.Alternatively, the eNB 200 #1B may be asynchronized with the eNB 200#1A. The eNB 200 #1B holds a discovery signal list (a discovery signallist in the eNB 200 #1B) regarding the local Discovery identifierassigned to the UE 100 that exists in the cell #1B.

The UE 100 #1B exists in the cell #1B, and performs a locationregistration in the PLMN #1. That is, the UE 100 #1B belongs to the PLMN#1. For example, the UE 100 #1B is in an RRC idle state in the cell #1B.Alternatively, the UE 100 #1B may be in an RRC connected state in thecell #1B.

The eNB 200 #2 is comprised in a PLMN #2 that is an LTE network of anetwork operator #2. The PLMN #2 is assigned with a frequency band #2(freq2). The eNB 200 #2 manages a cell #2 of the frequency band #2. Thecell #2 is a cell different from the cell #1A and the cell 1B. In thepresent embodiment, the cell #2 is located near the cell #1B. The cell#2 is a neighboring cell of the cell #1B, and overlaps the cell #1B. TheeNB 200 #2 is synchronized with the eNB 200 #1B. Alternatively, the eNB200 #2 may be asynchronized with the eNB 200 #1B. The eNB 200 #2 holds adiscovery signal list (a discovery signal list in the eNB 200 #1B)regarding the local Discovery identifier assigned to the UE 100 thatexists in the cell #2.

The UE 100 #2 exists in the cell #2, and performs a locationregistration in the PLMN #2. That is, the UE 100 #2 belongs to the PLMN#2. The UE 100 #2 is in an RRC idle state in the cell #2. Alternatively,the UE 100 #2 may be in an RRC connected state in the cell #2.

A Server #1 is an intra PLMN server belonging to the PLMN #1. The Server#1 is an upper server of the eNB 200 #1A and the eNB 200 #1B, and isconnected to each of the eNB 200 #1A and the eNB 200 #1B. The Server #1holds a discovery signal list regarding the Discovery identifierassigned in the PLMN #1.

A Server #2 is an intra PLMN server belonging to the PLMN #2. The Server#2 is an upper server of the eNB 200 #2, and is connected to the eNB 200#2. The Server #2 holds a discovery signal list regarding the Discoveryidentifier assigned in the PLMN #2.

A Server #3 is an extra PLMN server not belonging to the PLMN #1 and thePLMN #2. The Server #2 is an upper server of the Server #1 and theServer #2, and is connected to the Server #1 and the Server 2. In thepresent embodiment, the Server 3 holds a discovery signal list (GlobalDiscovery Signal List) regarding the global Discovery identifierassigned, irrespective of the PLMN #1 and the PLMN #2, to the UE 100.

In such an operation environment, a case is assumed where the D2Dproximity service described above is applied to each UE 100.

In the operation pattern 1, a case will be described where the UE 100#1B transmits the Discovery signal and the UE 100 #1A receives theDiscovery signal. Therefore, the operation pattern 1 discusses a casewhere the UE 100 #1A receives the Discovery signal from the UE 100 #1Bthat exists in the same cell. Description proceeds on the assumptionthat in the operation pattern 1, in the UE 100 #1B, the local Discoveryidentifier is assigned to the Server #1 or the eNB 200 #1B.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, in step S101, the eNB 200 #1B transmits abroadcast signal by broadcast, in the frequency band #1. The broadcastsignal includes the identifier of the eNB 200 #1B (eNB 200 #1B) and thePLMN identifier of the PLMN #1 (PLMN #1) to which the eNB 200 #1Bbelongs. The UE 100 #1A receives the broadcast signal from the eNB 200#1B (cell #1B).

In step S102, the UE 100 #1B transmits the Discovery signal, in thefrequency band #1. Here, let the information included in the Discoverysignal be Discovery 1B. The Discovery 1B includes the local Discoveryidentifier assigned to the UE 100 #1B. The UE 100 #1A receives theDiscovery signal.

In step S103, the UE 100 #1A transmits, in the frequency band #1, aDiscovery inquiry that is an inquiry on the transmission-source terminalof the received Discovery signal, to the eNB 200 #1A. The UE 100 #1A iscapable of transmitting the Discovery inquiry in order to determinewhether or not to perform the D2D communication with thetransmission-source terminal of the Discovery signal. Specifically, whennot being capable of specifying the transmission-source terminal of theDiscovery signal or when wishing to know the content of the D2Dcommunication performed by the transmission-source terminal of theDiscovery signal, the UE 100 #1A is capable of transmitting theDiscovery inquiry.

The UE 100 #1A transmits the Discovery inquiry including the Discoveryidentifier (Discovery 1B) included in the received Discovery signal.Further, when there is a possibility that the Discovery signal from theUE that exists in another cell is received, the UE 100 #1A is capable oftransmitting the Discovery inquiry including identification informationon the other cell. For example, when receiving the radio signal from theother cell, the UE 100 #1A determines that there is a possibility thatthe Discovery signal from the UE that exists in the other cell isreceived.

The identification information on the other cell is identificationinformation included in the broadcast information from the other cell.In the present embodiment, the identification information is the PLMNidentifier indicating the PLMN #1 and the identifier of the eNB 200 #1B.Therefore, the Discovery inquiry includes the identifier indicating thePLMN #1 and the identifier of the eNB 200 #1B. It is noted that theidentifier of the UE 100 #1A that is the transmission source of theDiscovery inquiry is also included. It is noted that the identificationinformation on the other cell may be an identifier (a cell ID, a cellglobal ID (ECGI)) indicating a cell.

When receiving the Discovery inquiry, the eNB 200 #1A determines whetheror not to respond to the Discovery inquiry. A detailed determinationmethod will be described later. Description proceeds on the assumptionthat in the operation pattern 1, the eNB 200 #1A determines not torespond to the Discovery inquiry.

In step S104, the eNB 200 #1A transfers the Discovery inquiry from theUE 100 #1A, to the Server #1 that is an upper server. When receiving theDiscovery inquiry, the Server #1 determines whether or not to respond tothe Discovery inquiry. A detailed determination method will be describedlater. Description proceeds on the assumption that in the operationpattern 1, the eNB 200 #1A determines to respond to the Discoveryinquiry.

The Server #1 specifies, on the basis of the Discovery inquiry and helddiscovery signal list, the UE 100 #1B assigned with the Discoveryidentifier included in the Discovery inquiry.

In step S105, the Server #1 transmits a Discovery inquiry response, tothe eNB 200 #1A. The Discovery inquiry response includes information onthe UE 100 #1B that has transmitted the Discovery signal (UE 100 #1Binformation). Specifically, the UE 100 #1B information includes the UEidentifier indicating the UE 100 #1B. Further, the UE 100 #1Binformation may include information indicating at least either one ofinformation indicating the content of the D2D communication performed bythe UE 100 #1B, and/or, information indicating the application used forthe D2D communication performed by the UE 100 #1B.

In step S106, the eNB 200 #1A transmits, in the frequency band #1, theDiscovery inquiry response received from the Server #1, to the UE 100#1A. The UE 100 #1A receives the Discovery inquiry response (UE 100 #1Binformation). This allows the UE 100 #1A to know the information on theUE 100 #1B that is the transmission-source terminal of the receivedDiscovery signal. This allows the UE 100 #1A to indicate the informationon the UE 100 #1B, on the user interface 120. A user of the UE 100 #1Ais capable of determining whether or not to perform the D2Dcommunication with the UE 100 #1B. Alternatively, when the identifier ofthe UE 100 #1B is registered, as a partner terminal of the D2Dcommunication, in the memory 150, the UE 100 #1A may decide to performthe D2D communication with the UE 100 #1B. Further, the UE 100 #1A maydecide to perform the D2D communication with the UE 100 #1B, when theinformation indicating the content of the D2D communication included inthe UE 100 #1B information and/or the information indicating theapplication used for the D2D communication is registered, as theinformation preferred by the user, in the memory 150.

It is noted that the UE 100 #1A is capable of determining whether or notthe D2D communication is desired by the user of the UE 100 #1A, evenwhen not actually performing the D2D communication, and thus, the UE 100#1A is capable of avoiding to perform the unnecessary D2D communication.

According to the operation pattern 1, the Server #1 receives theDiscovery inquiry. When the UE 100 #1B belongs to the PLMN #1, theServer #1 that has received the Discovery inquiry, instead of the Server#3, notifies the UE 100 #1A of the Discovery inquiry response, on thebasis of the Discovery identifier included in the Discovery inquiry.This prevents the Discovery inquiry from being concentrated in theServer #3, and thus, it is possible to inhibit a decrease in networkefficiency.

(B) Operation Pattern 2

Next, an operation pattern 2 will be described using FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation environment according to theoperation pattern 2. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram according to theoperation pattern 2. A part that is the same as in the operation pattern1 will be omitted, where necessary.

The operation pattern 1 discusses a case where the UE 100 #1A receivesthe Discovery signal from the UE 100 #1B that exists in the same cell.The operation pattern 2 discusses a case where the UE 100 #1B transmitsthe Discovery signal and the UE 100 #2 receives the Discovery signal.That is, the operation pattern 2 discusses a case where the UE 100 #2receives the Discovery signal from the UE 100 #1B belonging to adifferent PLMN. Description proceeds on the assumption that in theoperation pattern 2, the UE 100 #1B is assigned with the globalDiscovery identifier from the Server #3.

As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, step S201 corresponds to step S101. Inthe operation pattern 2, the UE 100 #2 receives the broadcast signalfrom the eNB 200 #1B.

Step S202 corresponds to step S102. In the operation pattern 2, the UE100 #2 receives the Discovery signal from the UE 100 #1B. The Discoverysignal includes global flag information. The global flag information isinformation indicating whether or not the Discovery identifier includedin the Discovery signal is the global Discovery identifier.Specifically, the global flag being ON indicates that the Discoveryidentifier included in the Discovery signal is the global Discoveryidentifier. On the other hand, the global flag being OFF indicates thatthe Discovery identifier included in the Discovery signal is the localDiscovery identifier.

When transmitting the Discovery signal including the global Discoveryidentifier, the UE 100 #1B is capable of including the global flaginformation indicating that the global flag is ON, into the Discoverysignal. On the other hand, when transmitting the Discovery signalincluding the local Discovery identifier, the UE 100 #1B is capable ofincluding the global flag information indicating that the global flag isOFF, into the Discovery signal. Alternatively, the UE 100 #1B is capableof transmitting the Discovery signal not including the global flaginformation.

Description proceeds on the assumption that the UE 100 #1B hastransmitted the Discovery signal including the global flag informationindicating that the global flag is ON.

In step S203, the UE 100 #2 transmits, in the frequency band #2, theDiscovery inquiry to the eNB 200 #2. The Discovery inquiry includes theglobal flag information that has been included in the received Discoverysignal. The remaining operation is similar to step S103.

When receiving the Discovery inquiry, the eNB 200 #2 determines whetheror not to respond to the Discovery inquiry. A detailed determinationmethod will be described later. Description proceeds on the assumptionthat in the operation pattern 2, the eNB 200 #2 determines not torespond to the Discovery inquiry from the UE 100 #2.

In step S204, the eNB 200 #2 transfers the Discovery inquiry from the UE100 #2, to the Server #2 that is an upper server. It is noted that theglobal flag information included in the received Discovery inquiryindicates that the global flag is ON, and thus, the eNB 200 #2 does notinclude the identifiers of the PLMN #1 and the eNB 200 #1B, into theDiscovery inquiry to be transmitted (transferred). When receiving theDiscovery inquiry, the Server 2 determines whether or not to respond tothe Discovery inquiry. A detailed determination method will be describedlater. Description proceeds on the assumption that in the operationpattern 2, the eNB 200 #2 determines not to respond to the Discoveryinquiry.

In step S205, the Server #2 transfers the received Discovery inquiry tothe Server #3 that is an upper server. When receiving the Discoveryinquiry, the Server #3 determines whether or not to respond to theDiscovery inquiry. A detailed determination method will be describedlater. Description proceeds on the assumption that in the operationpattern 2, the Server #3 determines to respond to the Discovery inquiry.

The Server #3 specifies, on the basis of the Discovery inquiry and helddiscovery signal list, the UE 100 #1B assigned with the global Discoveryidentifier included in the Discovery inquiry.

In step S206, the Server #3 transmits the Discovery inquiry response,via the Server 2 to the eNB 200 #2.

In step S207, the eNB 200 #2 transmits, in the frequency band #2, theDiscovery inquiry response received via the Server #2 from the Server#3, to the UE 100 #2. The UE 100 #2 receives the Discovery inquiryresponse (UE 100 #1B information).

According to the operation pattern 2, the Server #3 receives theDiscovery inquiry. The Server #3 notifies, on the basis of the Discoveryidentifier included in the Discovery inquiry, the UE 100 #2 of theDiscovery inquiry response including information on the UE 100 #1Bbelonging to a different PLMN. This allows the UE 100 #2 to know theinformation on the UE 100 #1B belonging to the different PLMN.

(C) Operation Pattern 3

Next, an operation pattern 3 will be described using FIG. 10 and FIG.11. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation environment according tothe operation pattern 3. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram according to theoperation pattern 3. A part that is the same as in the operationpatterns 1 and 2 will be omitted, where necessary.

The operation pattern 2 discusses a case where the Server #3 determinesto respond to the Discovery inquiry. The operation pattern 3 discusses acase where the Server #3 determines not to respond to the Discoveryinquiry. Description proceeds on the assumption that in the operationpattern 3, in the UE 100 #1B, the local Discovery identifier is assignedto the Server #1 or the eNB 200 #1B.

As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, step S301 corresponds to step S201.

In step S302, the UE 100 #1B transmits the Discovery signal includingthe local Discovery identifier. The UE 100 #2 receives the Discoverysignal from the UE 100 #1B. The UE 100 #1B includes the local Discoveryidentifier into the Discovery signal, and thus, the Discovery signaldoes not include the Global flag information. It is noted that the UE100 #1B, the Discovery signal, may transmit the Discovery signalincluding the Global flag information indicating that the Global flag isOFF.

In step S303, in much the same way as in step S103, the UE 100 #2transmits, in the frequency band #2, the Discovery inquiry to the eNB200 #2.

Step S304 corresponds to step S104.

In step S305, when receiving the Discovery inquiry, the Server #3determines whether or not to respond to the Discovery inquiry.Description proceeds on the assumption that in the operation pattern 3,the Server #3 determines not to respond to the Discovery inquiry.

In step S306, the Server #3 transfers, on the basis of the identifier ofthe PLMN #1 included in the Discovery inquiry, to the Server #1 of thePLMN #1. The Server #1 specifies, on the basis of the Discovery inquiryand held discovery signal list, the UE 100 #1B assigned with theDiscovery identifier included in the Discovery inquiry.

In step S307, the Server #1 transmits the Discovery inquiry response, tothe Server #3.

Steps S308 and S309 correspond to steps S206 and S207.

According to the operation pattern 3, when the UE 100 #1B that is thetransmission-source terminal of the Discovery signal belongs to the PLMN#1, the Server #3 transfers the Discovery inquiry to the Server #1arranged within the PLMN #1. Thus, instead of the Server #3, the Server#1 notifies, on the basis of the Discovery identifier included in theDiscovery inquiry, the E 100 #2 of the Discovery inquiry response, viathe Server #2 and the Server #3. This prevents the Server #3 fromspecifying the transmission-source terminal of the Discovery signal, andthus, it is possible to decrease a load concentration into the Server#3.

(Determination as to Discovery Inquiry Response)

Next, a determination as to the Discovery inquiry response will bedescribed using FIG. 12 and FIG. 14. FIG. 12 is a flowchart fordescribing a determination operation of the eNB 200 according to theembodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for describing a determinationoperation of the intra PLMN server according to the embodiment. FIG. 14is a flowchart for describing a determination operation of the extraPLMN server according to the embodiment.

(A) Determination Operation of eNB 200

The determination operation as to whether the eNB 200 performs theDiscovery inquiry response will be described using FIG. 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, in step S401, the eNB 200 receives theDiscovery inquiry. The Discovery inquiry includes the informationincluded in the received Discovery signal (Discovery signal). Theinformation includes the Discovery identifier. Further, the Discoveryinquiry may include the identifier of the PLMN (PLMN ID), the identifierof the eNB (eNB ID), and the Global flag information (Global flag), forexample.

In step S402, the eNB 200 determines whether or not the Discoveryidentifier included in the Discovery inquiry is the global Discoveryidentifier. When the Discovery identifier included in the Discoveryinquiry is the global Discovery identifier (that is, the Global flag isON), a process of step S403 is executed, and otherwise (that is, whenthe Global flag is OFF), a process of step S404 is executed.

In step S403, the eNB 200 transfers the Discovery inquiry to the upperserver (Server #1 (Server #2) or the Server #3). That is, the eNB 200determines not to respond to the Discovery inquiry. Thereafter, the eNB200 ends the process.

In step S404, the eNB 200 determines whether or not the identifier ofthe eNB 200 included in the Discovery inquiry matches the identifier ofitself (eNB 200). That is, the eNB 200 determines whether or not thetransmission-source terminal of the Discovery signal exists in the selfcell. When these identifiers are different, the eNB 200 executes aprocess of step S405, and otherwise (when these identifiers match),executes a process of step S406.

Further, when the cell identifier is included in the Discovery inquiry,the eNB 200 determines, in a similar manner, whether or not the cellidentifier included in the Discovery inquiry matches the identifier ofself cell.

It is noted that when these identifiers are not included in theDiscovery inquiry, the eNB 200 executes the process of step 405.

In step S405, the eNB 200 transfers the Discovery inquiry to the upperserver. That is, the eNB 200 determines not to respond to the Discoveryinquiry. Thereafter, the eNB 200 ends the process. When thetransmission-source terminal of the Discovery signal does not exist inthe self cell, the eNB 200 is capable of transferring the Discoveryinquiry to the upper server, and as a result, it is possible toefficiently specify the transmission-source terminal of the Discoverysignal.

In step S406, the eNB 200 determines to respond to the Discoveryinquiry, and refers to the discovery signal list. If it is determined asa result of referring to the discovery signal list that the Discoveryidentifier included in the Discovery inquiry is included in thediscovery signal list, the eNB 200 specifies the UE 100 corresponding tothe Discovery identifier and generates the Discovery inquiry response.

It is noted that when the Discovery identifier included in the Discoveryinquiry is not included in the discovery signal list, the eNB 200executes the process of step 405.

In step S407, the eNB 200 transmits the Discovery inquiry response tothe UE 100 (notifies the UE 100 of the Discovery inquiry response). TheeNB 200, instead of the Server #1 (Server #2) and the Server #3,responds to the Discovery inquiry, and thus, the signaling is decreased,hence it is possible to reduce the load of the network.

(B) Intra PLMN Server (Server #1, Server #2)

Next, a determination operation as to whether or not the intra PLMNserver (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “Server #1”) performsthe Discovery inquiry response, will be described using FIG. 13.

As shown in FIG. 13, in step S501, the Server #1 receives the Discoveryinquiry.

Steps S502 and S503 correspond to steps S402 and S403.

In step S504, the Server #1 determines whether or not the identifier ofthe PLMN included in the Discovery inquiry matches the PLMN to whichitself (Server #1) belongs. That is, the Server #1 determines whether ornot the transmission-source terminal of the Discovery signal belongs tothe self PLMN. When these identifiers are different, the Server #1executes a process of step S505, and otherwise (when these identifiersmatch), executes a process of step S506.

It is noted that when the identifier of the PLMN is not included in theDiscovery inquiry, the Server #1 executes the process of step 505. Whenthe transmission-source terminal of the Discovery signal does not belongto the self PLMN, the Server #1 is capable of transferring the Discoveryinquiry to the Server #3 that is the upper server, and as a result, itis possible to efficiently specify the transmission-source terminal ofthe Discovery signal.

Steps S505 to S507 correspond to steps S405 to S407. It is noted that instep S505, the Server #1 may transfer, on the basis of the PLMNidentifier included in the Discovery inquiry, the Discovery inquiry,without transferring to the Server #3, to a management server (theServer #2, for example) belonging to another PLMN. As a result, it ispossible to reduce a load concentration into the Server #3.

It is noted that when the Discovery identifier included in the Discoveryinquiry is not included in the discovery signal list, the eNB 200executes the process of step 505.

(C) Extra PLMN Server (Server #3)

Next, a determination operation as to whether or not the extra PLMNserver (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “Server #3”) performsthe Discovery inquiry response, will be described using FIG. 14.

As shown in FIG. 14, in step S601, the Server #3 receives the Discoveryinquiry.

In step S602, when the Discovery identifier included in the Discoveryinquiry is the global Discovery identifier (that is, when the Globalflag is ON), the Server #3 executes a process of step S603, andotherwise (that is, when the Global flag is OFF), executes a process ofstep S605.

In step S603, the Server #3 determines to respond to the Discoveryinquiry, and refers to the discovery signal list regarding the globalDiscovery identifier. As a result of referring to the discovery signallist, the Server #3 specifies the UE 100 corresponding to the Discoveryidentifier, and generates the Discovery inquiry response.

Step S604 corresponds to step S407.

On the other hand, in step S605, the Server #3 transfers, on the basisof the identifier of the PLMN included in the Discovery inquiry, theDiscovery inquiry to the intra PLMN server belonging to the PLMNindicated by the identifier of the PLMN. As a result, it is possible toreduce a load concentration into the Server #3.

Other Embodiments

In the above-described embodiment, the Server #3 (extra PLMN server)holds the discovery signal list regarding the global Discoveryidentifier; however, this is not limiting. The Server #3 may hold thediscovery signal list regarding the Discovery identifier assigned to theUE 100 in a plurality of PLMNs. For example, the Server #3 may hold afirst discovery signal list regarding the Discovery identifier assigned,in the Server #1, to the UE 100, and a second discovery signal listregarding the Discovery identifier assigned, in the Server #2, to the UE100. The Server #3 may hold a discovery signal list regarding the localDiscovery identifier assigned, in each of a plurality of PLMNs, to theUE 100, and a discovery signal list regarding the global Discoveryidentifier.

The Server #3 that holds the discovery signal list regarding the localDiscovery identifier receives update information on the discovery signallist from a plurality of intra PLMN servers formed by each intra PLMNserver belonging to each PLMN so as to update the discovery signal listregarding the local Discovery identifier held by the Server #3. TheServer #3 may request the update information to the plurality of intraPLMN servers, and each of the plurality of intra PLMN servers maytransmit regularly or in response to a predetermined trigger (update ofthe discovery signal list held by the intra PLMN server) the updateinformation to the Server #3.

In the above-described embodiment, the eNB 200 transfers the Discoveryinquiry to the intra PLMN server; however, this is not limiting. Forexample, when the intra PLMN server is not arranged, the eNB 200 maytransfer the Discovery inquiry to the extra PLMN server.

Further, when the extra PLMN server holds the discovery signal listregarding the local Discovery identifier assigned in each of a pluralityof PLMNs, the eNB 200 and the intra PLMN server may not respond to theDiscovery inquiry, but the extra PLMN server only may respond to theDiscovery inquiry.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, one Discovery identifier maybe assigned to one UE 100, and for each content of the D2D communicationperformed by the UE 100 (or the application used for the D2Dcommunication), the Discovery identifier may be assigned. That is, theUE 100 may be assigned with a plurality of Discovery identifiers, andmay change, in accordance with a content (or the application) of the D2Dcommunication, the plurality of these Discovery identifiers, into theDiscovery identifier to be included in the Discovery signal.

Alternatively, in the above-described embodiment, the local Discoveryidentifier and the global Discovery identifier may be assigned to one UE100. In this case, the UE 100 is capable of appropriately andselectively using either the local Discovery identifier or the globalDiscovery identifier. For example, the UE 100 is capable of selectivelyusing these Discovery identifiers, in accordance with the location ofthe UE 100. Specifically, the UE 100 is capable of transmitting, in adomestic country, the Discovery signal including the local Discoveryidentifier, and transmitting, outside the country, the Discovery signalincluding the global Discovery identifier. Alternatively, when the D2Dcommunication is to be performed on the UE 100 belonging to the selfPLMN, the UE 100 may transmit the Discovery signal including the localDiscovery identifier, and when the D2D communication is not limitedly tobe performed on the UE 100 belonging to the self PLMN, the UE 100 maytransmit the Discovery signal including the global Discovery identifier.It is noted that the UE 100 may transmit the Discovery signal includingthe local Discovery identifier and the global Discovery identifier.

In the described-above embodiment, although an LTE system is describedas an example of a mobile communication system, it is not limited to theLTE system, and the present disclosure may be applied to a system otherthan the LTE system.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A communication control method, comprising:directly transmitting, from a second user terminal to a first userterminal, discovery signal including a first identifier associated withthe second user terminal, wherein the discovery signal is fordiscovering another user terminal; transmitting, from the first userterminal to a first network apparatus belonging to a first Public LandMobile Network (PLMN), the first identifier included in the discoverysignal; determining, by the first network apparatus, in response toreceiving the first identifier, whether the first identifier is anidentifier allocated in the first PLMN; in response to the first networkapparatus determining that the first identifier is not the identifierallocated in the first PLMN: sending the first identifier from the firstnetwork apparatus to a second network apparatus belonging to a secondPLMN; sending, from the second network apparatus to the first networkapparatus, information of an application used by the second userterminal; and, in response to the first network apparatus determiningthat the first identifier is the identifier allocated in the first PLMN:transmitting, from the first network apparatus to the first userterminal, information of the application used by the second userterminal.
 2. A first network apparatus configured to belong to a firstPublic Land Mobile Network (PLMN), comprising: a controller including aprocessor and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the controlleris configured to receive a first identifier from a first user terminal,wherein the first identifier is included in a discovery signal which thefirst user terminal has received from a second user terminal; determine,in response to receiving the first identifier, whether the firstidentifier is an identifier allocated in the first PLMN; in response tothe controller determining that the first identifier is not theidentifier allocated in the first PLMN: sending the first identifier toa second network apparatus belonging to a second PLMN; and receiving theinformation of an application used by the second user terminal, from thesecond network apparatus; and in response to the controller determiningthat the first identifier is the identifier allocated in the first PLMN:transmitting, to the first user terminal, information of the applicationused by the second user terminal.
 3. A second network apparatusbelonging to a second Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), comprising: acontroller including a processor and a memory coupled to the processor,wherein the controller is configured to receive a first identifier froma first network apparatus belonging to a first PLMN, in response to thefirst network apparatus determining that the first identifier is not anidentifier allocated in the first PLMN; and send information of anapplication used by a second user terminal associated with the firstidentifier, to the first network apparatus, wherein the first identifieris received in the first network apparatus from a first user terminalwhich directly received a discovery signal including the firstidentifier from the second user terminal, and the discovery signal isfor discovering another user terminal.